Simple. Seasonal. Delicious.

Brownie, Cream and Fresh Fruit Tarts

I remember my first Valentine’s Day with my husband like it was yesterday. We had been dating just five months then, and for our Saturday night date I nervously slinked into my first little back dress in the tiny bathroom of his college apartment. I slipped on a pair of matching pumps, he twirled a gray tie around his neck, and we were off to the Boston symphony! Just a couple of kids pretending to be grown-ups for one night…

It was that night that made this teenage farm girl feel indescribably glamorous and fully “arrived” in the big city, but stuffy has never been my style. After an hour of piano playing and playful winks, we ditched it early, called a cab and got cheeseburgers. I couldn’t have been happier to slip out of those painful black pumps, and who cared that the tickets sucked up what little savings I had to spend as a college freshman?

Times like those make for good stories, I always say.

All of our Valentine’s days since that experiment in being adults long before necessary have been much more fun, thankfully. Some years, we’ll exchange heartfelt gifts or cook each other a meal, and once in a while, the holiday just goes unnoticed altogether. That’s fine. Every lady, like me, should get flowers on random Tuesdays and hear “I love you” every day of the week.

Last year, we had friends over to celebrate with a scrumptious dinner for four. This year, though, Mark and I will exchange small gifts, cook dinner at home and enjoy a delicious dessert made with love, like these brownie and fresh fruit tarts.

Using freshly whipped cream, a few handfuls of berries, my beloved cocoa brownie recipe and a drizzle of caramel, this decadent dessert was pure heaven! All I did was bake a batch of my Best Cocoa Brownies, whipped up some Vanilla Whipped Cream, and topped it off with our favorite fruits. Simple, straightforward and so scrumptious. Not to mention, a romantic dessert for two!

I hope that however you spend this holiday, you give love and feel loved in some way. Whether it’s with family, friends, a new flame or a long-time love, take the time to appreciate them, show your love and enjoy a little dessert together next Monday night!

Happy (almost) Valentine’s Day from your favorite hopeless romantic of a food blogger!

Bake in preheated oven for 28-30 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

Vanilla whipped cream
In a chilled, medium-sized bowl and using chilled beaters, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until soft peaks form. Store in the refrigerator.

To assemble
Cut cooled brownies into desired shape with cookie cutters or a knife. Set aside.

Using a pastry bag with a large tip (I used a Wilton 1M), or carefully with a small spoon, outline your desired shape with the whipped cream on top of the brownies. Place brownies on a plate and freeze for 20 minutes to harden the whipped cream slightly.

After 20 minutes, top the tarts with your favorite fresh fruit, and if you’d like, drizzle with a little caramel sauce. Serve immediately.

So simple yet delish sounding! Will have to try! and love the story. Sometimes being grown up isn’t that fun! My husband and I recently spent our “date” night out going to a burger joint. We ditched our reservations to a very upscale fav of ours just to enjoy burgers and fries being able to eat it all and take our time vs. 15 min. then off to play with two kiddos!!!

Yummy…and perfect for Valentine’s! We’re on the same wavelength — raspberries and chocolate are featured in my latest post too! I love the combo of chocolate and berries…I always buy a few choc-dipped strawberries for us to have w/champagne on VDay. Then I go buy half-price VDay chocolates at Godiva on 2/15 ;)!

Oh, Georgia, what a great story! I loved hearing that one…especially that you skipped out early and got some cheeseburgers. That would be Chris and I for sure!! Thanks for sharing that with us.As for the dessert…yea, no need to go out when you have that at home!!! YUM!!!

Those brownies look delicious! My hubby and I didn’t do anything our first Valentine’s Day together. We had just put deposits down for our wedding so I think we just cooked in? This year is our first year married, so I want to do something special!

What a precious story. I met my husband when I was 19, and I so remembered those first painfully exciting months of courtship :-) These brownies look scrumptious. I hope you and your man have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

Hiii Georgia , so happyyyy to meet!Not only are u sweet, but u have a v wonderful blog too!These treats are all so wonderful and i love the French trip and coco powder that gave birth to ur lovely brownies!Oh i loveee Valrhona cacao powder totally too!I lovee ur stunning pics and ur Cannon XS seems to be doing wonderful in ur creative hands!Looking forward to more!And wishing u a Love filled sunshine Valentines by 365!Happy day!

Welcome to The Comfort of Cooking. Simple, scrumptious comfort food recipes with a twist is what you’ll find here, some indulgent and some light, but always fresh and frugal. Thanks for visiting! (read more)